What is mediation?
Mediation as defined by ACAS is a ‘completely, voluntary and confidential form of resolving workplace disputes between employees’. This involves an independent, impartial person to resolve conflict and reach a solution within the workplace that is suitable for everyone. This method is an informal approach that provides a quick solution and seeks employees to find their own answers and solutions. Facilitative mediation is one of the most common methods of mediation that is used within the UK. In this method, the mediator plays an active role in guiding the process. They use joint problem solving approaches, explore issues and evaluate options to resolve disputes.
The impact of conflict in the workplace
Conflict arises in the workplace in many forms. The workforce has become a diverse organisation with employees having different opinions, backgrounds, values and expectations. Employers must ensure that they can identify when conflicts arise in the workplace and have procedures to tackle this. Some of the conflicts may arise due to absence at work, disagreement on certain matters and relationships between colleagues. Workplace conflict may have a detrimental impact on the organisation and result in lower employee morale, increasing costs to the business and time-consuming procedures that follow on. Additionally, conflict may involve forcing employees to take sides in an adversarial way. This may do nothing to build their relationships and may affect employees’ future of working together.
When can mediation be appropriate?
Employers can use mediation during any stage of conflict. It can be used to rebuild the relationship after resolving a formal dispute. However, employers may use mediation in the early stages of a dispute to stop this from escalating into something further. Additionally, mediation may be an informal method for managers who are unable to resolve formal disputes. For example, they may be involved in the dispute or because they do not have the required skills to solve the dispute.
Impartiality is an important factor of the mediation process and employers may seek external mediators to carry out the mediation since their organisation may not have a mediator who is impartial.
If you’re looking for an external mediator or whether you require any advice on resolving a workplace dispute, please contact our team at Quest.
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